Powder Coating for Small-Arms Bullet Tip Identification
Abstract
Powder coating technology is rapidly becoming a mainstream technology. Efforts to incorporate this technology into processes normally covered by spray or dip methods of application are continuous. An important aspect of a process change such as this is maintaining desired metrics and performance. This is especially true for military items such as ammunition. Currently, all small caliber tracer and incendiary ammunition is produced at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, Missouri, and is identified by applying a low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint to the projectile tip. This marking system is designed to aid soldiers and Marines using the ammunition in identifying the type of round they employ in a combat or training mission. Depending on caliber, the paint is applied either by dipping or by spraying the projectile tip in one of the final cartridge assembly steps. There are several inherent problems associated with this operation. First, the surface of the bullet must be free of contamination and particulates for the paint to have maximum adhesion and withstand subsequent handling operations. Currently, either methyl chloroform, an ozone depleting compound (ODC), or acetone, a VOC, is used to clean the bullet surface prior to painting. Second, the process is very inefficient. For example, the spray application process used in the high-speed manufacturing of 5.56-mm ammunition is only 5 to 10% efficient. The over-spray is captured in a filter hood, which is vented through the roof of the manufacturing building to the atmosphere, thus releasing the VOCs into the air. Paint passing through the filters and into the vent stack cures to the sides of the stack, eventually clogging the vent. The effluent VOCs are then vented into the manufacturing area rather than up the stack, creating a hazardous work environment. The alternative dip coating process used to coat the 7.62-mm and caliber .50 projectile tips is not environmentally controlled.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA607043
Entities
People
- Charlie Moran
- Cristina Bressler
- Doug Atterbury
- John Heinsohn
- Michael Doherty
Organizations
- Tank-automotive and Armaments Command